2.2 Somebody's Mother - Class 8 - Poorvi (New)

Author: Not mentioned

Textbook: Poorvi

Genre: Poem

Summary

The poem Somebody’s Mother describes the helplessness of an aged woman and the compassion shown by a young boy. The old woman, ragged and weak, waits at a snowy street crossing. She is afraid to move, fearing that she might be knocked down by horses or carriages. The busy crowd and even a group of cheerful schoolboys pass by without noticing her. At last, one boy pauses, steps forward, and kindly helps her across the slippery road by offering his strong arm. After guiding her safely, the boy returns to his friends with a heart full of happiness. That night, the old woman blesses him in her prayer, calling him “somebody’s son and pride and joy,” as she remembers her own child who is far away. The poem conveys the values of kindness, empathy, and social responsibility, showing that even small acts of care can bring joy and blessings.

Character Sketch

• The Old Woman

  • Frail, poor, and neglected, symbolising weakness and vulnerability.

  • Afraid to cross the road alone, highlighting her helplessness.

  • Grateful and maternal, blessing the boy in her prayer at night.

• The Young Boy

  • Cheerful and energetic, but also sensitive to others’ needs.

  • Unlike his friends, he notices the old woman’s struggle.

  • Kind and compassionate, he finds happiness in helping her.

Themes

Literary Devices

Title Justification

The title Somebody’s Mother is highly appropriate because it underlines the central theme of the poem. The old woman may appear as a stranger to others, but she is precious to her family, particularly to her son. By using this title, the poet appeals to the reader’s emotions, urging society to treat every helpless person with care and respect, remembering that they are loved by someone.

One-Mark Questions

1. Who is described as ragged and grey in the poem? Answer: Somebody’s mother, the old woman, is described as ragged and grey, showing her age and helplessness.

2. Why did the old woman hesitate at the crossing? Answer: The old woman hesitated because she feared being pushed down by carriage wheels and horses’ feet on the slippery road.

3. How did the young boy help the old woman? Answer: The young boy helped the old woman by offering his strong arm and guiding her trembling feet safely across the street.

4. What did the boy feel after helping the woman? Answer: The boy felt proud and happy, as his heart was filled with joy after performing the act of kindness.

5. What did the old woman pray for that night? Answer: The old woman prayed for the boy’s happiness, blessing him as if he were her own son and pride.

Three-Mark Questions

1. How does the poet show the helplessness of the old woman? Answer: The poet shows the old woman’s helplessness by describing her ragged clothes, trembling feet, and grey hair. She stood alone at the crossing, afraid of being trampled by horses and carriages. Her condition of being “uncared for” highlights the neglect faced by the aged in society.

2. How was the boy’s action different from that of his companions? Answer: The boy’s companions rushed past, laughing and playing, without noticing the woman. The boy, however, paused and saw her struggle. He showed maturity and humanity by offering help, setting him apart from the others.

3. What does the old woman’s prayer signify? Answer: The old woman’s prayer signifies gratitude and deep affection. She compared the boy to her own son and blessed him wholeheartedly. It shows how even a small act of kindness can create strong emotional bonds.

4. What message does the poem convey about kindness? Answer: The poem conveys that kindness is one of the noblest qualities. Even small, selfless actions can bring joy to both the giver and receiver. Compassion towards the weak and helpless enriches humanity as a whole.

5. Why is the boy’s act of kindness important in the poem? Answer: The boy’s act is important because it becomes the central turning point of the poem. It shows that real humanity lies in noticing others’ suffering. His kindness not only helped the woman physically but also gave her emotional comfort and hope.

Value-Based Question

Q. What moral lesson does the poem Somebody’s Mother teach students?Answer: The poem teaches students the values of empathy, compassion, and responsibility. It reminds us to treat every helpless person with kindness, remembering that they are loved by someone as dearly as we love our own family members. By helping others selflessly, one can bring happiness to others while also experiencing inner joy.

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